Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports to Irish companies, including various types of grant assistance. Applications for start-up assistance are handled by the local City or County Enterprise Board, of which there are 35. Funding for established SMEs and large companies is dealt with directly by Enterprise Ireland, who appoint an Advisor to each client company.

Start-ups

Supports available for start-ups of all sizes include:

  • Start your own business training courses;
  • Market research information;
  • Business planning advice and templates
  • Access to experienced business mentors;
  • Feasibility grants and co-investment.

Supports available for “high-potential” start-ups include:

  • Pre-investment supports:
    • Feasibility grant
    • Mentor grant
    • Innovation voucher (worth €5,000)
    • “New Frontiers” national incubation programme;
    • Internet company programme.

 

  • Equity investment supports:
    • Competitive start Fund
      • €50k equity investment to support eligible early start-up companies
    • Innovative fund
      • Co-funded equity investment

 

  • Post-equity investment supports:
    • Mentor grant
    • Innovation voucher
    • Export sales workshops
    • Internet growth programme

Established SME funding

Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports to established companies which are not already in their High-Potential start-up programme. In order to qualify as an established company, the company must have between ten and 250 employees, have turnover of less than €50m or an annual balance sheet of less than €43m.

The level of funding depends on the applicant company’s needs, potential employment prospects and the regional location of the company.

Grants are provided to suitable companies for

  • Market research into the feasibility of going global;
  • Technical feasibility;
  • R&D expenditure (up to €650k);
  • Innovation partnerships with colleges;
  • Mentoring, hiring key managers;
  • Job expansion (up to €150k)

If you would like assistance in exploring these options and in preparing a presentation for enterprise Ireland, please contact Stephen or Sinead. Stephen@longaccounts.ie or sineadm@longaccounts.ie

 

business government jobs